This process seeks submissions from private investors and tourism operators to develop ‘sensitive and appropriate tourism experiences and associated infrastructure to broaden the range of exciting and unique experiences on offer in Tasmania’s parks and reserves’.

Applications opened 17 December 2016. There is no deadline for this EOI round, it will remain open ‘as a continuous process so that ideas can be proposed as opportunities arise’.

A considerable number of proposals have now ‘been invited by the Minister to proceed to negotiate a lease and/or licence for their proposal.’ The list includes private developments in some iconic places:

Maria Island Walk founder Ian Johnstone has submitted proposals for two ventures in the Southwest National Park.

The Tasmanian Walking Company is negotiating for treks in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, on the Overland Track, at Cradle Mountain and at Frenchmans Cap.

The company also won the right to build private huts for the Three Capes Track, which is a coastal walk in the state’s south east.

Many of these projects could provide wonderful adventure opportunities but appear to be a good idea in the wrong place. For instance, one proposal is for ‘heli canyoning’ tour in the Cradle Mountain National Park. ‘Visitors would fly by helicopter from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre to the top of a river in the vicinity of Cradle Mountain … (then) At the end of the trip, groups would helicopter back to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.’ It is hard to see how helicopter flights are compatible with ay vision of low impact or ecotourism.

As part of commitments being made before the state election, which is being held in March, the Liberal announcement has pledged $16 million over four years for parks infrastructure. This would $3 million to renovate the public huts network on the Overland Track.

Green groups have been campaigning against further private development within the parks and World Heritage Areas.